Welcome to the second official 'My friend can paint - Feature Artist' post for my latest blog series. I've finally taken advantage of my unique business name in a way that allows me to share inspiring artwork by fellow local artists - who can also paint, like they mean it!

This month I've connected with another talented soul by the name of Bronte Naylor. Now while I have not yet had the actual pleasure of meeting Bronte in the flesh, a meeting just seems inevitable. In fact our artwork is currently spending some time together at Firefly Cafe in Toowoomba as we speak.

I've come into contact with so many artworks before I've ever met the creators behind them. Like a face, artwork has a tendency to stay in my mind clearer than names ever do. So this was the case for a lovely crossing of paths with Bronte's incredible work on a few separate occasions - both online and during visits to a few creative spaces in Toowoomba.

I've been aware of and have recognised Bronte's edgy style long before I ever knew her name and thanks to a recommendation from our mutual artist pal Alice Weinthal this little conversation has been made possible. Alice was the first artist to be featured for this series...in case you missed her feature click here.

Now I'm not entirely sure when I saw Bronte's work for the first time - I'm pretty sure it may have been shared on Facebook - BUT one thing I am certain of is that I was suitably impressed when I did see it. Bronte's work has an undeniably playful energy that exudes confidence and authenticity. What I particularly admire about Bronte's style is that she somehow manages to balance feminine and masculine elements in a single image, thus allowing her work to speak to a wider audience. I LOVE that she is capable of this as it's something I myself have been trying to master for years... and so far I have not been able to!

So I'm already impressed with Ms Naylor aka NOKE...let's now find out even more about this clever woman.

Over to you Bronte! Xx

Brontë Naylor, 2014, Z, pencil on paper, 40 x 60 cm

Who are you?My name is Brontë Naylor - NOKE and I am 21 years of age. I'm currently living in luscious tropical Cairns while I complete a Bachelors Degree in Creative industries majoring in Visual Art. I'm originally from T-bar town. I like enclosed shoes, eating with chopsticks, painting outside in the heat, glitter and swimming holes that you have to walk to get to. I dislike shopping centres. I find them overwhelming and under stimulating all at the same time and I dislike when pens that don’t keep up with your workflow.

Brontë Naylor 2014, Majesty, house paint & aerosol, 4 x 5 m

NOKE 2015, Chandelier, aerosol, 4.5 x 4.5 m.

When did you first consider yourself to be an Artist?

I have typically invested more time in considering artwork rather than written text. As a result I think I developed ways of clearly understanding the visual language. Within these boundaries I would say I have evolved in the language of ‘art’ since primary school. These experiences I believe formulate the individuals ability for unique expression and creativity. Though I think that in more recent times (the last 2 years) I have made a strong decision to choose my career as an artist and this has to take priority. Which often comes before other lifestyle choices. I rarely engage with people or activities that don’t evolve art as a form of language. This helps to remind and encourage me to stick with this commitment and clearly separates my direction from what it was before.

NOKE 2015, Biggie Biggie Biggie, House Paint & aerosol, 5 x 2.5 mm

What do you paint?The concepts I find that serve me the best are variations of interactions I have had with systems or people. The biggest inspiration for me is when a think of a concept that is truly authentic. Even when I believe I have a concept a certain amount of acceptance later down the track needs to be consider when my views change on the subject due to experience and knowledge. I have recently explored the sensitivities of humans in the relationship. Whether it be a friend, a enemy or lover (who is sometimes both). At the time this topic was very important and interesting to me. I usually spend 6 months of one body of work or investigating a topic. It is hard to remain focused on the final body of work when your opinion starts to change in the meantime. My attitude toward the end of the body of work was transparent and reflected my wavering belief in the self-devised concept. It was an interesting learning curve. A topic I do truly believe in is questioning the difference in value between literal and lateral ways of processing particularly within the context of education. Why do the systems see more value in being able to fill out forms and adhere to criteria rather than individual expression? Explored more broadly are themes of orthodox, education and value of the individual. The comparison is achieved by the juxtaposition of abstract and realist forms of visual expression. Drawing from many styles that have come before to celebrate the postmodern nature of eclectic styles combining. Also sharing the philosophy of there not being a single all-encompassing solution to humanity’s problems. It would come from bits and pieces of previous movement and ideas. I generally paint about genuine acceptance and encouragement of there being many ways of learning and processing information that hold special in each person.

NOKE 2015, Sporting Laser Beams, Aerosol, 5 x 2.5 cm

How did you first get your artwork 'out there'?I found that first battle I had was realising that I had something to contribute to the scene or venue. With the support of MARS (Alison Mooney) I really started to be mentored and invited to group exhibitions. This aspect of exhibition was the most exiting because you feel like you are part of a bigger picture. This was mainly how my network started to expand, by being present. I have a history of exhibiting in Café’s, which was a great experience for me as a starting point. I believe that there are benefits of exhibiting work like this because the location can see a good cross-section of people who may not generally visit a gallery. While this is a good opportunity it does remove the art from a gallery context. This means audiences interact with your pieces in a very different way. It gives you a different scope in the work that you are able to produce, which can be limiting. I think a mixture of both gallery and alternate locations are beneficial. My first big gallery exhibition was alongside Alison Mooney in a dual exhibition called 'Lost & Found (in my head)'. It seemed like a very long time ago because I have progressed so much. This taught me about how a show sits within its space and how the pieces align with each other (very different to having them under your bed) An important lesson which I only keep learning more about.

List 3 of your highlights so far?-Being invited as a permanent Artist in Residence at Crate59 -Painting a mural in full aerosol - publicly at Bunker Records-I have long admired Jugglers Art Space from afar and the work that comes out of there so it was a 'fan girl' moment for me to paint a large mural format work in their tunnel.

I wish to extend a MASSIVE THANKS to you Bronte for sharing this great insight into your work, your mind and ultimately your world. I also want to thank you for your time, you are clearly one passionate and dedicated artist that has devoted herself to staying focussed and very much in 'the zone'. Inspirational stuff indeed! I look forward to continuing to follow your work...and I really look forward to finally meeting you in person.

Show Bronte some love by sharing her work with your friends and maybe drop a comment here to pass on your encouragement for all that she has done, is doing and will continue to do.